The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is on high alert and fully prepared for the possible impact of Severe Tropical Storm “Opong” in the National Capital Region.
The agency has mobilized emergency response teams and is closely coordinating with local government units to ensure the safety and welfare of residents.
Precautionary measures, including the deployment of rescue equipment and the establishment of evacuation centers, will be implemented to mitigate potential flooding and other hazards.
“This is in line with the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to prioritize the safety and welfare of the public and areas that may be hit by the storm,” said MMDA Chairman Romando Artes.
The MMDA is set to deploy 300 personnel, which includes members from the Road Emergency Group, Public Safety Division, Metro Parkways Clearing Group, Sidewalk Clearing Operations Group, Traffic Engineering Center, Flood Control and Sewerage Management Office, Emergency Operations Center, and Transport Unit.
Artes said emergency response equipment has already been prepositioned, comprising four rubber boats, two orange boats equipped with outboard motors, 20 chainsaws, three pruners, and three pieces of extrication equipment.
Additionally, the agency’s ambulances, tow trucks, and military trucks are prepared for deployment if necessary.
The MMDA will monitor the weather and road conditions in Metro Manila from the agency’s Communications and Command Center located in Pasig City.
Artes also assured that the 71 pumping stations managed and maintained by the agency are fully operational and in excellent working condition.
As of 8 a.m. on Thursday, September 25, childhood development centers and kindergartens in the cities of Pasig, Taguig, Quezon City, Malabon, and Caloocan, as well as in the municipality of Pateros, have suspended classes. Meanwhile, Valenzuela City has declared that there will be no classes in all levels, both in private and public schools.
Currently, Metro Manila is under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1, with expected winds of 39–61 kilometers per hour within the next 36 hours.
